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Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions
How might we boast of our afflictions? For Christians, afflictions reveal God's power at work in us. For most of us, however, this is the last things that comes to mind when we suffer. We're eager to find the quickest way out of painful situations. And this makes sense. But we should pause to reflect that God is at work during such times.
knowing that affliction produces endurance,
and endurance, proven character,
and proven character, hope,
and hope does not disappoint
Faith, hope, and love, are poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Because these seeds are planted at baptism we can choose to cooperate and express them and allow them to grow. We are meant to gain greater hope as we see that God's plans for us are not thwarted by suffering. Rather, the very suffering the enemy intends to sabotage us becomes the means of our growth. We come to see that all things work together for the good of those who love God (see Romans 8:28).
Just as God delights in his wisdom, so too are we invited to share in the wonder at all of his mighty works.
then was I beside him as his craftsman,
and I was his delight day by day,
Yet things don't always (or perhaps often) seem wonderful. We can't absorb the full truth of revelation all at once. It isn't simply a one time prayer of faith to Jesus that will suffice for our entire lives. We are called to grow more and more into our knowledge of him as we learn to hope in his promises and delight in his works.
I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.
But when he comes, the Spirit of truth,
he will guide you to all truth.
Let us delight, let us hope, and let us come at last to know the fullness of truth, the most Holy Trinity, even as we ourselves are known (see First Corinthians 13:12).
O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
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